At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals transitioning from prison to community by attending appointments and providing a listening ear.
- Company: Together Drug and Alcohol Service, dedicated to making positive changes in people's lives.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive training, and make a real difference while being part of a supportive team.
- Other info: Open to all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience; flexible volunteering hours.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of someone's journey to recovery and community reintegration.
- Qualifications: Confident, friendly, and willing to learn about the criminal justice system.
Together Drug and Alcohol Service is the commissioned community drug and alcohol provision for Devon. It provides support and interventions for those wanting to make positive changes to their drug and/or alcohol use, as well raising awareness and supporting family members. We have a dedicated Criminal Justice Team that helps people who have become involved in the criminal justice system and who wish to make changes to their drug and/or alcohol use. This involves writing reports to the Court in line with community sentencing, liaising with Probation to facilitate Court Orders relating to drug and/or alcohol use and supporting those released from prison as they transition back to community living.
Role Overview
We are looking for a volunteer to meet people on the day they are released from prison, who can support these individuals to attend initial appointments across organisations in the community. This role would be well suited to someone looking to gain experience within the criminal justice system and who is willing to develop understanding of the challenges the early days of living back in the community can bring. Individuals with lived experience are also strongly encouraged. Volunteers would need to be available from 8am on the day(s) they volunteer, to meet clients in the reception lounge of HMP Exeter / HMP Channing's Wood.
Tasks
- Supporting people to attend appointments with probation, allocated police officers or Together Drug and Alcohol Services.
- Providing a supportive, non-judgemental and listening ear.
- Co-facilitating group support sessions, including SMART Recovery meetings (training provided).
- Signposting to other activities / support the service user to work alongside other organisations e.g. GP or additional mental health support services.
All volunteers are asked to adhere to organisational policies including safeguarding, information governance and health and safety.
Qualifications & Skills
- A confident and friendly approach.
- A willingness to learn.
- Ability to problem solve.
- Awareness of the challenges / barriers faced by people entering / at risk of entering the criminal justice system.
Additional Desired Skills
- Confident IT skills - aside from any IT skills required for the role, some of our mandatory training is done online through eLearning modules.
- Professional, honest and committed.
- Non-judgmental towards people with lived experience of criminal justice, drugs/alcohol addiction and recovery, mental health or other associated issues.
- Good time keeping.
- Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction.
- A driving licence and own transport would be an advantage but is not essential.
- An understanding of Waythrough - information is available on our website, and you can call a specific project to make enquiries.
- A genuine interest in being part of the mission, vision and promise of Waythrough.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training.
What We Offer
- Discounts from various schemes.
- Training and personal development.
- A chance to make a real difference in people's lives.
- Free induction and role-specific training.
- Support from experienced staff and regular supervision.
- Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence.
- Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses.
- Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development.
Inclusion and Accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.
Prison to Community Link Volunteer employer: Job Search Place Limited
Together Drug and Alcohol Service is an exceptional employer, offering volunteers the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals transitioning from prison to community living. With a strong focus on personal development, comprehensive training, and a supportive work culture, volunteers can gain invaluable experience within the criminal justice system while being part of a compassionate team dedicated to fostering positive change. Located in Devon, this role not only provides the opportunity to help others but also encourages personal growth and connection with diverse communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison to Community Link Volunteer
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Prison to Community Link Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Job Search Place Limited, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Job Search Place Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Job Search Place Limited and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
